| The German Shepherd dog is one of the most | | | | breeder. |
| beloved and honored dogs in the world. Though this | | | | Purebred German Shepherds have specific |
| breed is classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) | | | | characteristics. They should also have registration |
| in the herding group and began as a herding dog, | | | | papers or some form of pedigree, preferably from the |
| German Shepherds perform many other jobs today. | | | | American Kennel Club. Because German Shepherds |
| Because of their inherent courage, work ethic, | | | | are trained in various tasks and graduate from training |
| intelligence, loyalty and overall trainability, German | | | | programs, their lineage should reflect the rankings and |
| Shepherd dogs are commonly used in police work, as | | | | accomplishments of their parents. The German |
| escorts for the blind, and as security for many families | | | | Shepherd breeder should have his or her own kennel, |
| and businesses. There is no better protector than a | | | | and dogs should receive daily contact, grooming, |
| German Shepherd. | | | | socializing and training. |
| German Shepherds are native to Germany. The first | | | | Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may |
| of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. This dog, given | | | | attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. Make sure |
| the name Horand von Grafath, became the first | | | | you obtain a complete copy of your German |
| German Shepherd registered in the German Shepherd | | | | Shepherd's medical records including health history, |
| Dog Club of Germany in 1899. The breed was | | | | immunization records, results of blood tests, and any |
| registered with the AKC in 1911. | | | | other relevant health information. This breed is prone to |
| German Shepherd breeders are common in North | | | | hip problems and a reputable German Shepherd |
| America due to the high demand not only for purebred | | | | breeder will give you some form of warranty or |
| German Shepherds, but for Shepherds with specific | | | | guarantee that your German Shepherd has been |
| training. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in | | | | evaluated. |
| training this breed for the visually impaired, for the | | | | Now that you know basic German Shepherd traits |
| police, and for use in tracking and protection. The | | | | and medical conditions, how to care for your Shepherd, |
| Germans have a special training program for | | | | what to look for in a German Shepherd breeder, and |
| Shepherds to become "Schutzhunds," or protection | | | | what purpose you will utilize your Shepherd for, it is |
| dogs. | | | | time to find the perfect German Shepherd. Though |
| There are a few precautions any potential German | | | | many buyers want a purebred puppy, buying a |
| Shepherd buyer should take before making a | | | | purebred adult dog can be a good alternative. Adults |
| purchase of a purebred German Shepherd dog. First, | | | | are already trained, housebroken and socialized. Also, |
| know what you are looking for. Second, know what | | | | there are many adult German Shepherds who are far |
| purpose you plan to utilize the German Shepherd for. | | | | less likely to find homes than the adorable puppies sold |
| Third, know what it takes to care for a German | | | | by breeders. |
| Shepherd. Fourth, know where to find a reputable | | | | |